Jamaica, land of wood and water, is well known for reggae music, beach life and most of all rivers and stunning waterfalls. To give you a hand to pick your choice we’ve selected 10 magnificent waterfalls from well-known tourist attractions to secret hidden gems surrounded by lush trees and colored flowers. Bring your swimsuit and water shoes and explore the awesome waterfalls in Jamaica.
1. Dunn’s River Falls – tourists attraction number one
Most able-bodied people easily achieve the ascent of the waterfall but it could be fun joining guided throngs of people to climb the touristic and stunning Dunn’s Falls. Stay all day if you like to clamber up great tiers of limestone that step down 150m. Enjoy the beauty of a series of magnificent cascades and pools, which are surrounded with palm trees.
Walk down from the entrance and pass the arts & craft shops, bars & restaurants and playgrounds for children. Start the climb of the waterfall just above sea level or all the way down at the white sand beach.
Combine this tour with Bob Marley Mausoleum at Nine Mile.
2. YS Falls in St. Elizabeth
A tractor-drawn jitney through a working cattle ranch will take you, where you will be dropped at the starting point. Now you’re overlooking a beautiful park, surrounded by lush gardens and magnificent trees. Wander around the picnic areas, pool and the river itself along seven low cascades to the main pool and the bigger falls. Swing on a Tarzan-style rope and jump in the natural pool.
When you need some assistance with climbing the falls or making pictures, lifeguards are around and are grateful to help. You can also enjoy the exhilarating canopy rides, which glide from the top of the falls to its base, throughout the forests. This will need an additional fee though.
YS Falls can be combined with ‘Rum Estate’ or through ‘Bamboo Avenue’ with ‘Pelican Bar’.
3. The local look and feel of Mayfield Falls
Enjoy this natural spa with its hidden charms allowing its guests to have a more or less private experience.
A stunning drive from Negril through farmland, hills and villages leads to Mayfield Falls.
Make a stop on your way to buy some fresh fruits right from the tree.
At the falls an experienced guide leads you through the mineral healing water, while revealing various secrets of the cascades and surroundings. Jump from a tree in the deep pool, hide behind the falls in a cave and dive through small passways under water. The Mayfield Falls are playful.
Combine this attraction with Abeokuta or Blue Hole Negril
4. Benta Falls
This tour is ideal for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts looking to explore Jamaica’s gems while experiencing the thrill of outdoor activities in stunning natural settings. Benta falls offers a picknick area, bar, food and a farmland tour if you want. Besides of that it is possible to pitch your tent and stay overnight.
5. Reach Falls – in the jungle of Portland
Make a stop, when on your way to Reach Falls, at the major, laid back fishing village Manchioneal, located on the eastern end of Portland.
The falls are discovered by runaway slaves who survived in the forest, where they had a great view over the surroundings.
Enjoy the significant biodiversity in the ecological sanctuary Reach Falls. There are 23 species of ferns, and it is home to a variety of birds including the black and yellow billed parrot.
Get an energizing, natural massage from the water flow. Swim in the natural heart-shaped pool.
Climb to the upper pools or even to the top of the cascades with local guides and experience amazing views for yourself. There is even an underwater tunnel to plunging through.
Make sure you are fit for this and bring climbing or water shoes.
Combine Reach Falls with the outdoor mineral, hot-water-massage at ‘Bath’.
6. Cool off at Fishdone Waterfalls
Follow the river from Buff Bay into the Blue Mountains, pass small communities and relax a bit at the hidden Fishdone Waterfall.
As it is privatized now, there will be a small charge, but it is a great spot to relax.
When locals are around they might take you to the next level, to explore a second fall. Embrace the possibility for this special, local experience and be so kind to thank them with a tip.
Around the John Crow and Blue Mountains are coffee plantations, guesthouses and hotels. It’s an awesome area to explore. On our (round)tour of Jamaica, Fishdone Falls will be optional. We usually stay in a cabin at Holywell National Park. Either coming from Kingston or Buff Bay.
7. The hidden idyllic Somerset Falls
The breath-taking waterfall is hidden in the rainforest, 3km east of Hope Bay. This is where the Daniels River plunges down a narrow gorge.
You’ll start with a walk in the tropical rainforest to the hidden falls. The path takes you past the ruins of a Spanish aqueduct.
Entrance fee includes a guided tour through a grotto by boat. You travel by boat beneath the 10m tumbling falls into this jade-colored grotto, therefor a stunning experience!
8. Kwame and Tacky Falls
Explore the real Jamaica of St. Mary; a laid back, small parish, known as the birth place of many dancehall artists but hardly visited by tourists.
Hike to Tacky falls along a steep, narrow trail, which can be slippery and muddy. The fall is impressive as it falls 60m into a pool. Definitely an unspoiled hidden gem discovered only for the brave and the fit.
The hike to Kwame Falls leads over a dirt road, through streams and steep paths. As the heat and the hiking can beat you, take your time for scenic views along the way.
Kwame Falls will take your breath anyway; the formation of the rock, following years of the water’s force is magnificent.
Depending how the trip will be organized, the guide will prepare lunch while you relax.
Read this blog about St.Mary – Kwame and Tacky Falls under number 3.
9. Cane River Falls, also called Bob Marley Falls
The path along large boulders leads to the river where the waterfall thunders down. A beautyful, typical local spot where apparently Bob Marley regularly came to recharge. If you are near Kingston or Jamnesia for surfing, this waterfall is perfect to stay for a few hours.
10. Unspoiled Nanni Falls – Portland
After some scrambling and climbing there is the unique reward of Nanni Falls. Hidden in the hills, this magnificent waterfall splashes from a great height into a pool where you can cool off and enjoy nature at its best.
If you are staying for two weeks or longer, it is time to explore Portland on the east side of Jamaica.
Nanni Falls is for adventurous travellers who are curious about culture, history and raw nature. Visit the small museum in the village of Moore Town, hidden in farmland, before exploring the falls.
What else to do in Portland? This blog shows it all.